Tribal leaders welcomed the nomination of Sally Jewell, the chief executive officer of Recreational Equipment Inc., as the next Secretary of the the Interior Department.

Jewell doesn't have much direct experience in Indian Country. But tribal leaders, particularly those from the Pacific Northwest, said her business background in Washington state and her work on environmental issues was significant.

“Sally Jewell is a woman who we applaud as the next United States Secretary of the Interior, said President Fawn Sharp of the Quinault Nation in Washington. "We enter into this relationship with great faith and trust that she will understand the incredible significance of her new position to the tribal nations, and that she will always work with us to help safeguard and restore the environment, and support the rights, the heritage and the way of life of native people."

"Sally Jewell’s diverse experience in energy, conservation, and stewardship efforts, presents an exciting opportunity for the country and tribal nations to make great strides and continue the transformation of the Department of the Interior under this President," National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel said in a statement.

If confirmed, Jewell would oversee the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. The BIA's new leader, Kevin Washburn, is expected to stay on board for the remainder of the Obama administration.

President Barack Obama has nominated Vince Logan to head OST but he has not yet had a confirmation hearing in the Senate.

Get the Story:
Tribes seek fresh start with Jewell (The Seattle Times 2/7)
REI chief: outsider pick for Interior secretary (The Seattle Times 2/7)
Obama nominates REI chief executive as interior secretary (The Washington Post 2/7)
Obama’s Choice to Lead Interior Dept. Has Oil Sector and Conservation Credentials (The New York Times 2/7)
Obama nominates REI executive Sally Jewell to lead Interior Department (AP 2/6)

An Opinion:
Editorial: Sally Jewell an excellent pick to head Interior (The Seattle Times 2/7)

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Obama to nominate Sally Jewell, business executive, for DOI (2/6)